The court heard Chopra’s bosses at Ipswich town organised a loan through the Professional Footballers Association so he could pay back debts which by then stood at around £300,000.

Superintendent Steve Howe of Northumbria Police Serious and Organised Crime Unit said: “This has been an excellent outcome for the team and shows the efforts the force is making to remove drugs from the streets and combat organised crime. “Operation United is one of a number of ongoing drugs operations and we warn anyone involved in the supply of drugs - it doesn’t stop here, we are taking action and we will seek you out.

“We want to reinforce the message to these people and to the public that crime simply does not pay.”

Anyone who is concerned about drugs or drugs supply in their neighbourhood can contact Northumbria Police on 101 ext 69191 or alternatively Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.